Covid cases in Stephens Slowed in Past Week

The spread of COVID-19 has slowed compared to last week in Stephens County.

According to the Department of Public Health, there have been 4,587 total cases of COVID-19 in Stephens County, since the start of the pandemic, an increase of 11 since WNEG’s report last week.

The DPH is reporting 110 confirmed COVID-related deaths in Stephens County, an increase of 1 since WNEG’s report last Wednesday.

In Georgia, the DPH is reporting 1,284,354 total cases, an increase of 4,505 since WNEG’s report last week. The DPH also reports an increase of 113 deaths since WNEG’s report last Wednesday, bringing the total to 25,704 confirmed COVID-related deaths across the state of Georgia.

To follow the daily COVID numbers visit dph.georgia.gov.

Additionally, anyone interested in receiving a COVID vaccine can do so at the Stephens County Health Department.

To schedule an appointment to receive the COVID vaccine call the Stephens County Health Department, located at 64 Boulevard, Suite 102, in Toccoa, at 706-282-4507.

The Georgia Department of Public Health (DPH) is closely monitoring the emergence of a new COVID variant first detected in southern Africa. The variant has not been detected in Georgia at this time. 

 

Named Omicron by the World Health Organization (WHO), the variant has a large number of mutations. Scientists are studying the variant to determine how quickly and easily it spreads, whether it causes more severe illness and how well the current COVID vaccines will protect against it. So far, a few dozen COVID cases caused by Omicron have been identified in South Africa, Hong Kong, Israel and Belgium. 

 

All Georgians over the age of 5 are now eligible for COVID vaccination. Booster doses of vaccine are recommended for adults 18 and older who have completed their first series of vaccine.

 

Individuals who have symptoms of COVID or who may have been exposed to someone with COVID should get tested. Based on available data, PCR testing can detect the presence of the Omicron variant. 

According to District 2 Public Health the Franklin County Health Department at 6955 Hwy. 145 South in Carnesville is open for testing on Monday, Wednesday, and Thursday from 8:30 A.M.-4:30 P.M. and registration is recommended.